Main menu

Publication of Penalty Charge Notice Statistics 2017

The Penalty Charge Notice Statistics 2017 report is now available. This report presents data on Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued during 2017 for vehicles found to be parked in contravention of parking restrictions and vehicles detected driving in contravention of bus lanes.

This bulletin presents results for 2017 and for the 4th quarter, October to December 2017.

This report is produced by the Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB) of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). The publication is available on the ASRB website at:

1. On-street parking: 26,746 PCNs were issued, of which almost half (48%) were issued in Belfast.

2. Off-street parking: 10,016 PCNs were issued. This ranged from a high of 1,317 (13%) in Belfast City Council to a low of 217 (2%) in Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.

Bus lanes and bus-only streets: 5,451 PCNs were issued for moving traffic offences in Greater Belfast. Almost 4 out of 5 of these contraventions occurred at 3 locations: Donegall Square East (38%), Great Victoria Street (25%) and College Square East (15%).

During 2017

On-street parking: 94,542 PCNs were issued, an increase of 11% from 2016 (84,876). In 2017, 44% of PCNs were issued in Belfast, compared with 41% in 2016.

Off-street parking: 37,374 PCNs were issued, an increase of 4% from 2016 (36,041). In 2017 the highest number of PCNs were issued in Fermanagh and Omagh (4,849, 13%) and the lowest in Antrim and Newtownabbey Council (820, 2%).

Bus lanes and bus-only streets: 20,807 PCNs were issued for moving traffic offences in Greater Belfast, a decrease of 25% from 2016 (27,911)*. Almost three quarters of these contraventions occurred at three locations: Donegall Square East (35%), Great Victoria Street (23%) and College Square East (16%).

*In 2016, 4,441 offences occurred on Castle Street, but due to a change in traffic management arrangements in the area to allow for building development works, the CCTV enforcement cameras in Castle Street were switched off at the start of August 2016 until further notice.

Notes to editors:

Background

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), more commonly known as parking tickets, are issued for vehicles found to be parked in contravention of on-street and off-street parking restrictions and also for vehicles detected driving in bus lanes and bus-only streets (moving traffic offences).

The aim of parking and bus lane enforcement is to reduce the number of vehicles illegally parked on our roads or driving in bus lanes or other bus priority measures. This in turn reduces traffic congestion and helps traffic to flow more freely, assists delivery vehicles, allows buses to keep to their timetable and improves bus journey times, improves road safety and provides accessibility for all road users, including Blue Badge holders.

The enforcement of on-street limited waiting and pay and display spaces, Park and Ride charged car parks and Council operated car parks also encourages a turnover of parking spaces, giving shoppers and visitors more opportunities to find suitable parking.

All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383.